The Dallas Cowboys are in their final opportunity to trade George Pickens, who is entering a contract year. After a standout season, the Cowboys have placed the franchise tag on him, securing him for under $28 million unless a long-term deal is reached.
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 25: George Pickens #3 of the Dallas Cowboys in action against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on December 25, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 25: George Pickens #3 of the Dallas Cowboys in action against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on December 25, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It has been quite the year. Next month will mark the first anniversary of the Dallas Cowboys trading for George Pickens. The Cowboys made the deal knowing that Pickens had a 2025 season laced with their kryptonite in that he was entering a contract year.
To their credit, the Cowboys have handled the Pickens situation well this offseason by placing the franchise tag on him (and particularly the lack of drama around it all). Dallas has Pickens for south of $28M for the upcoming season specifically, unless a long-term deal is worked out. George is coming off of an incredible season for the team and certainly earned a market rate deal. The particular details of that market are, as always, subject to discussion and debate.
This is the final window to trade Pickens
Even though there are many Cowboys fans against the idea of trading George Pickens, as with anything, there is always a price that can move someone off of their position.
Whether you think the Cowboys should or shouldnāt trade Pickens, the reality is that the 2026 NFL Draft is next week. This is important as it offers the last practical opportunity to deal Pickens. If he is going to get traded, it would stand to reason that it would be sometime before the draftās conclusion.
As noted, it is hard to fully rule out any sort of trade without knowing what is hypothetically being offered. This whole idea sparked to mind after seeing an Instagram post that suggested the Cowboys could net a first-round pick from the Baltimore Ravens (14 overall).
Imagine that specific hypothetical. Say the Cowboys didnāt trade up (although rumors keep flying about them doing so) and walked away with something like Jermod McCoy and Keldric Faulk at 12 and 20, respectively. I recognize that we have different feelings about what would be best, but just go with it for this conversation.
If they had 14 in the middle there they could help the wide receiver group for the future with someone like Arizona Stateās Jordyn Tyson. Maybe Indianaās Omar Cooper Jr.. A very strong, young, and financially prudent nucleus would be set on both sides of the ball for the next half decade.
Maybe the Cowboys decide that they are content with the Pickens situation as it is and decide to ride it out through 2026. There is certainly logic to that.
If they are going to pursue anything else though, the time is running out for that to happen.
Q&A
Why are the Cowboys considering trading George Pickens now?
The Cowboys are considering trading George Pickens because this is their final window before he potentially enters free agency after the upcoming season.
What is the financial situation for George Pickens in the 2025 season?
George Pickens is set to earn under $28 million for the 2025 season due to the franchise tag placed on him by the Cowboys.
What impact did George Pickens have on the Cowboys last season?
George Pickens had an incredible season for the Cowboys, which has led to discussions about his market rate for a long-term contract.
Related Articles
Sports
LIV Golf is still going, but its days seem numbered and probably always were
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
ESPN NewsĀ·Ā·1 min read
MLBĀ·Recap
Angels' Mike Trout hits another HR to join Aaron Judge in rare Yankee Stadium history
Mike Trout's 446-foot HR joins him with Aaron Judge in Yankee Stadium lore.
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
MLBĀ·Feature
Tigers projected to take a gamble on the upside of a 6'3" prep bat
Detroit Tigers projected to take a risk on a 6'3" prep bat in the MLB draft.